Review: Ella and the Call of the Wild by Cassy Polimeni

 Ella and the Call of the Wild is book 4 in a fun eco-series by Cassy Polimeni featuring eco-warrior, nine-year-old, Ella and her friends.

Book one: Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra, Ella moves to a new school and makes friends with Mai. She saves the neighbouring frogs from a building site and builds a frog pond in her yard.

Book two: Ella and the Sleepover Party, Ella's has a birthday sleepover at the Zoo. She needs to deal with friendship rivalry when her friend from her old school and Mai have a disagreement. All Ella wants to do is explore and learn about the animals.

Book three: Ella and the Mystery of the Missing Frogs, finds Ella having to solve the mystery of the disappearance of the frogs from her backyard pond and try to stop her little brother getting in the way.

In Ella and the Call of the Wild, Ella's class are given penpals; students at another school over a thousand miles miles away. Ella's class is learning about the rainforest and their penpals live in the rainforest region of Queensland.

Ella doesn't know what to write about. She thinks she doesn't do anything interesting. She soon finds a connection to her pen pal through their shared love of frogs and how they want to protect them.

After a ranger comes to the school and talks about protecting the rainforest and how frogs can end up far from home where the environment does not suit them, Ella hatches a plan to help save the travelling frogs and educate people about what to do if they find one.

Ella is surprised what a difference she can make when she finds her voice.

Ella and the Call of the Wild is such a fun story and a wonderful introduction to caring for the environment for young readers. Ella shows that one person, with the help from some friends, can make a difference.

Ella and the Call of the Wild is the perfect book for classroom discussion on the ecosystem and learning that reptiles need to live in their own environment to survive. This is a fun, informative and educational story for little eco-warriors, frog lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Ella and the Call of the Wild is an illustrated chapter book that will have young readers searching for more.

Charming black and white full and half page illustrations by Hykie Breeze give the reader time to pause and ponder, giving a visual connection between character and reader.

See the publishers website for teaching notes: https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/products/ella-and-the-call-of-the-wild?_pos=1&_sid=d5b00987e&_ss=r

My rating 5/ 5 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸

Recommended age: 6 - 9 years

Publisher: UWA Publishing

Publication date: 1st August 2026

Genre: Junior Fiction

Pages: 108

RRP: AU$15.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Kean & Creative

#ellaandthecallofthewild #cassypolimeni #hykiebreeze #juniorfiction #ecowarriors #kidsbooksonecology #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelfblogspot #keanandcreative #ausbooksontoour #ausbookbloggers #booksforkids #bookishkids #raisingreaders

Review: Shifters by Nicole Kelly

 Shifters is a magical, shape shifter, supernatural adventure for middle grade readers.

Emily has felt lost since her mother left. She yearned to feel whole again, like she belonged. She often escaped into books when the world around her became too much.

When her father announces he has work in Japan Emily is heartbroken to leave her friends however she could never let her father go alone; they were all each other had.

On arriving in Japan, Emily feels as though she doesn't fit in. She doesn't speak the language or understand the culture. When she meets Koji, he helps her learn the language. He is fun and outgoing, although Emily senses a mystery surrounding the boy. As they take in the sights of Kyoto and learn to trust each other, Emily is witness to events beyond her belief.

There comes a day when Emily must draw on all her courage to save her friend from the ancient magic that surrounds him.

With friendship at its core Shifters is a story of trust, courage, embracing new experiences, forgiveness and fitting in.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the sights and foods of Kyoto and the information on Japanese myths and legends. Emily and Kyoto are fun characters, Emily shy and reticent, Kyoto confident and cheeky, they are easily identifiable to middle grade readers.

Each chapter is headed with a Japanese word and its meaning in English which I found to be an engaging way to learn some basic Japanese words and pique a child's interest in learning more words and customs.

Reading Shifters is sure to ignite curiosity and encourage further research on Japan, its language and customs.

Nicole Kelly has developed a simple plot that will be easy for young readers to follow and includes a sprinkling of words that will extend a child's vocabulary.

Shifters is rich in action and intrigue woven through a spellbinding setting.

Shifters is perfect for fans of The Dog Runner by Bren MacDibble, Tsunami Girl by Julian Sedgwick, and anyone who loves stories with themes of a reluctant hero, found family, and secrets.

My rating 5 / 5 🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊

Recommended age: 8 -12 years

Publisher: Hawkeye Publishing

Publication date: 5th June 2026

Genre: Middle Grade / Supernatural 

Pages: 146

RRP: AU$24.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#shifters #middlegradereads #middlegradefantasy #shapeshifting #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelfblogspot #ausbookbloggers #bookssetinjapan

Review: Albert Supersize by Ian Brown

 Albert Supersize is another book in the heart-warming series about Albert the tortoise's adventures. Inspired by a real tortoise who is part of the author's family.

illustrated by Eoin Clarke

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 1st December 2023

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$19.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Albert always wondered what it would be like to be supersized and he was just that amongst the dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures helping them keep safe, until his friends shook him awake. It was all a dream but now his friends really did need him.

Albert solves another problem for his friends; the insects of the garden.

Albert Supersize is full of stunning illustrations by Eoin Clarke which bring the garden setting and the insects who live in this habitat to life. Bright supersized, life-like illustrations bursting with colour. Pictures that engage and entrance the audience.

This is a fabulously engaging series and the children love the expressive illustrations paired with simple text.

Albert Supersize is a sweet, heart-warming and fun story about problem solving and helping each other.

Albert Supersize is a story that will be requested again and again by your children.
Available in Australia through Peribo Books https://peribo.com.au/product/albert-supersize/

My rating 5 / 5 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

#albertsupersize #childrenspicturebook #kidsbookonnature #ausbookbloggers #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

Book Mail - 24th September 2026

 Once a month I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous month. 

The books from right to left:

The Garden of Lost Girls by A. L. Tait

Publisher: Scholastic Australia

Publication date: 1st September 2026

About the book:

In a quiet, coastal town, eighteen-year-old Jessica lets out a gasp, then walks out of the opening night her own play, ‘The Garden of Lost Girls’. She is never seen again.

What did she see? Where did she go? And why did she never come home?

Thirty years later, Jessica’s nephew, fourteen-year-old Sam, is still asking the same questions. With the town planning an anniversary performance of ‘The Garden of Lost Girls’, Jessica’s family hopes that it will help to jog memories and, perhaps, finally solve the puzzle of Jessica’s disappearance. And Sam’s mum wants Sam and his cousins, Gracie and Archie, to be in the production to keep an eye out for new information.

At least, that’s the plan.

But as the play goes into rehearsal, a series of accidents makes it clear to Sam and his cousins that not everyone is happy about the performance―and they’ll do anything to stop it.

And when one of them goes missing on the night of the performance, the cousins realise that sometimes history doesn’t always stay in the past.

Literally Hilarious! Families Gone Wild

Publisher: Just Write For Kids

Publication date: 22nd August 2026

About the book:

In this bumper collection of hilarious family short stories, poems, jokes and other fun activities, you'll find the funniest, most embarrassing, yet purely heartwarming tales to literally keep your eye peeled and your ribs cracking for hours.

Families will go wild for this anthology - created by a sensational community of talented authors and illustrators!

Duck, Duck, Bruce! by Dannika Patterson

Publisher: EK Books

Publication date: 13th October 2026

About the book:

Bruce looks like a duck.

Bruce walks like a duck.

Bruce quacks like a duck.

But Bruce does not think like a duck.

Thank goodness!

A story that celebrates different ways of thinking, being and doing.

A Tie For Barry by Aneta Cruz

Publisher: EK Books

Publication date: 4th February 2027

About the book:

Barry has been accepted to the finest Brontosaurus Academy in the Jurassic world.

All he needs to fit in is a bright tie.

There's just one problem....

His neck is too short!

Little Blue, Where Are You? by Sally Morgan

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st October 2026

About the book:

When Rocky Road Jack spies a tasty snack,

it will take all Skippy Gillespie's courage - and some help from an old friend - to rescue little blue.

Joey gets His Wings by Catherine Bauer

Publisher: Big Sky Publishing

Publication date: 29th September 2026

About the book:

Inspired by the real stories of Australian soldiers who carried small mascots from home to bring comfort during the First World War.

Beneath the vast blue skies of Australia’s outback, a young boy named Art dreams of flying, with his small toy kangaroo, Joey, never far from his side. When Art leaves home to join the Australian Flying Corps, Joey is tucked into his bag — a small reminder of home.
Together, they travel far beyond the red earth, Joey strapped to the front of Art’s plane as he soars through unfamiliar skies where courage is tested and home feels very far away. But when Joey is lost during the war, his journey becomes one of waiting, remembering and hoping.
Alone in a distant field, Joey waits and hopes, holding onto the memory of the boy who carried him there.
Inspired by true stories, Joey Gets His Wings is a gentle and heartfelt tale of friendship, courage and the enduring ties that lead us home.
Captain Elliot “Tab” Pflaum, an Australian Flying Corps pilot from South Australia, carried his leather kangaroo mascot, Joey, through WWI skies. Perched on his aircraft, Joey symbolised courage and companionship, enduring aerial missions and later preserved as a treasured keepsake, connecting past sacrifice with remembrance.

The Green Child by Hollie Hughes

Publisher: Post Wave Children's Books

Publication date: 15th September 2026

About the book:

In the deepest Dense forest,

where the trees twist gnarled and wild,

along a winding path we find

a deep asleep Green Child...

A magical tale that will inspire every human heart to treasure our natural world.

Because what begins as just a whisper,

just a ripple on the breeze, can bring about a positive change forever.

Bernie Thinks in Boxes by Jess Horn

Publisher: Affirm Press

Publication date: 24th July 2024

About the book:

A beautiful story about thinking differently and navigating change in a neurotypical world.
Bernie thinks in boxes. She has boxes for everything: for home, for school and even for the park.
Bernie likes boxes. When things fit into boxes, they make sense.
But one day, Bernie's boxes collide, and she must find a way to make sense of her world again.

#berniethinksinboxes #thegreenchild #joeygetshiswings #littlebluewhereareyou #atieforbarry #duckduckbruce #literallyhilarious #thegardenoflostgirls #childrensbooks #picturebooks #newrelease #bookmail #middlegradebooks #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers #readwithyourkids #kidsbookswelove

Review: Hari's Bones by Danny Parker

 Hari's Bones is a lovely gentle book which highlights the concept of children learning skills in different ways. Hari's Bones is a story for the gentle risk takers.

illustrated by Rache Antonio

Publisher: One Tentacle Publishing

Publication date: 1st August 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$25.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Hari was cautious. She wasn't tempted by trampolines, bicycles or skateboards.

She delicately dodged, silently swerved, always keeping her bones safe.

Until one day she was needed on the field. The ball came her way. She picked it up and ran and ran. When she peeked at her bones, not a scratch!

Hari found she could hop, swerve and splash and her bones were safe.

Soon Hari was breaking records - never bones.

I loved that the story didn't push Hari to be more daring, she was left to be herself and when needed she found the courage to overcome fear. The reader can see that Hari, although cautious, is still continuously learning new skills. Skills that will come in handy when needed. Highlighting the concept of letting children learn and explore in their own time.

Hari's Bones is the perfect story to talk about the differences in how children play; some are rowdy and daring, whilst others are quiet and circumspect. However we go about our day everyone is learning skills for life.

The book also features a QR code in the back to listen to the author's narration to original music composed by award winning artist Matt Ottley. Or visit www.tsopb.com/downloads

This year's official CBCA Children's Book Week theme was Symphony of Stories. I thought how splendidly this fits into Matt Ottley's The Sound of Picture Books which is the  concept of bringing music and picture books together. Two wonderful sensory experiences coming together to embolden children to listen and learn.

There are currently thirteen titles in The Sound of Picture Books series.

Rache Antonio's water- colour and pencil illustrations catch the spirit of Hari as she observes the world and quietly, cautiously works on her own dreams and ambitions.

My rating 4 / 5 🦴🦴🦴🦴

Recommended age: 6+ years

to learn more go to: www.onetentaclepublishing.com

Review: Bandoola by Beverley McWilliams

A Mammoth Rescue: The WWII Elephant Who Led Over 200 People to Safety.

Beverley McWilliams' story of Bandoola was inspired by the true story of Bandoola the elephant who, together with James Williams (Elephant Bill), led over 200 people through the jungles of Burma to safety during WWII. 

Beverley McWilliams brings history to life for young readers, and the story being narrated by Bandoola himself is truly innovative, bringing a whole new perspective to this moment in history.

I simply loved reading young Bandoola's narrative. He was mischievous, cheeky and very smart. His handler Po Toke has big dreams for Bandoola and hopes to one day train elephants born in captivity for logging instead of trapping and kheddaring (an historical practice of breaking in the wild elephants) wild elephants. However Bandoola's only dream is for a life of freedom.

Having the thoughts of the elephant brings a layer of connection and McWilliams cleverly shows how the elephants communicate with humans and how they learn commands.

Written on a level for Middle Grade readers we see the humane side of keeping elephants in captivity. The elephants are loved and well looked after. There is a brief explanation of kheddaring. However the actual practice is not featured in this story.

McWilliams brings historical events to life in a way that will captivate young readers. There is plenty of humour, mishaps, danger and adventure.

The bond between man and elephant is powerful and moving.

Bandoola is a story that will inspire young readers to venture into more historical fiction tales. It is a fun and immersive way to learn about the world and its history.

I loved how Bandoola's character grew throughout the story as he aged, learning courage and responsibility, however never losing the fun and mischievous actions of the young Bandoola.

McWilliams has clearly undertaken extensive research into elephants, how they act and the work of their keepers, to make this book come across as totally natural and realistic.

The food, people and vegetation of Burma all shine through in McWilliams vivid descriptions. The gorgeous sketches by Kate Jones featured throughout the book add an extra level of visual appeal.

Bandoola is a story young readers will want to read over and over.

My rating 5 / 5 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

Recommended age: 8 - 14 years

Teaching notes and resources can also be found on the publisher website:

https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/products/bandoola?_pos=1&_sid=b1dec2e73&_ss=r

Publisher: UWA Publishing

Publication date: 1st August 2026

Genre: Middle Grade / Historical

Pages: 310

RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

#bandoola #middlegrade #middlegradefiction #middlegradehistoricalfiction #kidsbooksaboutelephants #historicalbooksforkids #ausbookbloggers #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelf 

Review: Love You, Daddy by Karen Blair

I think Love You, Daddy is the cutest lift the flap book I've seen!

Originally released for Fathers Day however this gorgeous book filled with love and admiration for all kinds of dads would be the perfect gift and bed time read all year round.

Illustrated by Karen Blair

Publisher: Affirm Kids

Publication date: 28th July 2026

Genre: Board Book

Pages: 24

RRP: AU$16.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

This is the perfect book for dad to spend some quality time with their child and the interactive flaps make it a fun experience for both adult and child.
Love You, Daddy is the ideal bedtime read. A gentle story about all the wonderful things daddies do for us.

Dads teach us about kindness and helping others. Fold the flap to see capybara dad being helpful.

From having fun and being a good listener to encouraging us to be brave and helping others, daddies really are the best.

Dads encourage us and help us to be brave. Fold the flap to see the little duckling be brave and jump in the pond. He is ever so cute with his little floaties on. 

This sturdy board book has strong flaps that won’t immediately tear off with a bit of enthusiastic use. Love You, Daddy is sure to become a bedtime favourite.

My rating 5 / 5 🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆

Recommended age: 0 - 3 years

#loveyoudaddy #childrensboardbook #lifttheflapbook #booksforbabies #childrenspicturebook #boardbook #karenblair #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers